FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2026

Multi-Agency drug and criminal interdiction operation on Fort Hall Reservation results in 37 arrests

By ROSELYNN YAZZIE

Office of Public Affairs

FORT HALL, Idaho — The Fort Hall Police Department (FHPD) in coordination with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Drug Enforcement Unit conducted a drug and criminal interdiction operation September 24-26 on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. The operation resulted in a total of 37 arrests, including 17 related to drug offenses.

The operation was initiated by the Fort Hall Business Council (FHBC) in response to an increase in overdoses reported across the reservation.

FHBC Chairwoman Donna Thompson said tribal leadership is acting swiftly in light of rising community concerns and remains dedicated to protecting the safety and well-being of all who live on the Fort Hall Reservation.

“We are taking the recent rise of overdose reports extremely seriously, and this operation reflects our obligation to immediate and decisive action. Illegal drug activity and crime have no place on the Fort Hall Reservation. We will continue to stand with and support law enforcement as they work to safeguard our people. We also ask the community to join this effort by reporting suspected illegal activity, as your information is vital to keeping us all safe,” said Thompson.

The three-day operation included high-visibility saturation patrols and targeted interdiction efforts in areas identified as having increased drug activity. The goal was to identify, disrupt and dismantle drug and other criminal activity on the reservation.

Other participating agencies included the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, Blackfoot Police Department, Idaho State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

In addition to drug-related arrests, the operation resulted in arrests related to outstanding warrants and other tribal offenses.

FHPD Chief of Police, Patrick Teton, said the department will continue working with tribal, local, state and federal law enforcement partners to address drug and criminal activity.

“The Fort Hall Police Department is committed to making the Fort Hall Reservation drug and crime free for a safe and healthy community,” he said.

Chief Teton thanked all participating agencies for their assistance and partnership during the operation.

Community members are encouraged to report suspicious drug or criminal activity. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the Fort Hall Police Department through Tip411 by texting 847411. Begin the message with “FHPD”, followed by the information being reported.

Teton emphasized that continued cooperation between law enforcement and the community is essential to addressing drug activity and maintaining a safe community.

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